In an eerie parallel of the empty niches of the Bamiyan Buddhas (the world's tallest standing Buddha statues) which were destroyed in Afghanistan in 2001, two powerful shafts of light pierce New York's night sky every September 11th - a "Tribute in Light" to the two World Trade Centre towers that were allegedly felled seven years ago by al-Qaeda extremists???

America lost more than just two powerful symbols of its economic clout for indeed, the great American engine of commerce still chugs on mightily despite hints of an impending recession.

What America lost forever was her bright-eyed confidence in her liberal democratic ideology and the absolute certainty that she was always going to be welcomed and beloved in this world.

The September 11 attacks were the wake-up call that made Americans ask themselves with genuine bewilderment what the world had long known the answers to: "Why do they hate us so much?"

Once, Americans were so sure that the sight of the New York skyline and the statue of Liberty herself would have inspired all to worship America as the land where dreams came true and every man could be free.

Now, fearing that foreigners are out to "get them", the drawbridge has been raised shut!!